Not offered 2007-2008
MUS 241 Introduction to the Music of John Coltrane (W)
This course offers the serious music student an opportunity to study the unique body of work produced by saxophonist and composer John Coltrane (1926-1967). The course traces
the evolution of Coltrane's compositional and performance styles in the context of the
musical and cultural environment in which they developed. Emphasis placed on Coltrane's
musical style, representing a unique synthesis of influences, including jazz, world, and
European Classical music and spirituality. Substantial reading assignments, including a
biography and related criticism, as well as detailed score analysis and study, are required.
Format: lecture. Evaluation based on in-class participation and preparation, quizzes on
assigned readings, midterm and final examinations, participation in an in-class group
analysis presentation, and a final paper involving musical analysis of a Coltrane composition
or recorded performance.
Prerequisite(s): Music 103 and/or 212 strongly recommended. Musical literacy sufficient to
deal with the material and /or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected:
19). Preference given to Music students.
JAFFE